Patent GB-366103-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in automatic weft supplying mechanism for looms
IPC: D03D51/00
Filed: 1930-08-28
Abstract: 366,103. Looms with automatic weftreplenishing mechanism. SMITH, F. L. and SHACKLETON, G. W., Northbrook Works, Keighley, Yorkshire. Aug. 28, 1930, No. 25649. [Classes 142 (i) and 142 (iii).] In looms, wherein shuttle changing is effected automatically during a temporary stoppage of the normal weaving operations, the weft detector and weft-fork mechanisms are arranged so that each may cause dislodgement of the starting handle and set the weft replenishing mechanism in operation or effect stoppage of the loom to permit the shuttle change to be made manually. Means are also provided for preventing actuation of the weft replenishing mechanism while the loom is running normally or during a normal stoppage and for preventing the restarting of the loom when the shuttle magazine is empty or when the shuttle charging member meets any obstruction. Weft feeler arrangements; stop motions.-Two sliding members 6b, 4, Fig. 13, associated with the weft fork and weft detector units respectively, are independently mounted in a casing on the loom frame and are adapted to effect dislodgment of the starting handle 8 by en.. gagement with levers 7b, 7 respectively. Both slides are operated on weft failure, by the weft hammer 2, Fig. 14, the former by the usual action of the weft fork 6 and the latter under control of weft feeler mechanism (not shown) which, on indication of weft exhaustion, permits a pawl 3 on the slide 4 to engage a catch 2a on the hammer 2. The ends of the slides 6b, 4 are arranged to engage bunter levers 9, 5 respectively, carried by an arm 10 on a shaft 10a associated with the weftreplenishing mechanism, both bunter levers being pivotally mounted so that either may be withdrawn from the path of its corresponding slide to permit stoppage without replenishment. Shuttle changing mechanism; restarting arrangements.-When the shaft 10a is rocked, a rod 11a, Fig. 2, is raised and the hooked end 12b, of a two-armed lever associated therewith, is withdrawn from engagement with the retaining part 13a of a clutch catch 13, Fig. 6, which is pivoted on a cam 14 fixed to a shaft 15 and is maintained in a forward position by means of a spring. The catch 13 is provided with a projection 13c which, when the catch is liberated, is engaged by projections 16a on a constantly rotating toothed wheel 16 loosely mounted on the shaft 15. The wheel 16 is rotated by means of a pinion 17 on an eccentric 18 which is loosely mounted on the shaft 15 and is rotated by chain and sprocket gearing from the crank shaft 21. When the shaft 15 is rotated by the engagement of the members 13c, 16a, the cam 14 moves a lever 23 about its pivot 23a and positions the shuttle carrying member 24 below the magazine, a projection 24w acting on a retaining lever 26 to allow a shuttle to drop into the positioned carrier. At the same time a second cam 27, also mounted on the shaft 15, operates a spring controlled lever 27a which, by means of a rod 28, rocks a shaft 29g thereby raising the shuttle box front and effecting the discharge of the exhausted shuttle. The shuttle ejecting member 33b is carried by a lever 33 on a shaft 33h pivotally mounted at w<1> and is operated by a lever 32 which is connected to the shaft 29g by means of springs and is provided with a stud 32a to engage a cam slot 33a in the lever 33. When the shaft 33h is rocked by the movement of the shuttle ejector, a lever 57, connected therewith, rocks a lever 58 and pushes the pawl 37 of a lever 36 into engagement with a lug 38a on a rod 38. A third cam on the shaft 15 has meanwhile been brought into engagement with a lever 36, and operation of this lever gives a lifting movement, through pawl 37, to a rod 38b which by means of levers 39, 50, rocks a shaft 40 and moves the starting handle into operative position. A safety bar 51, Fig. 17, fixed on the shaft 40, is provided with pawls 51a, 52a which overhang the lever 12 in the stopped and running positions respectively, the changing from one pawl to another at the call for replenishing action allowing the lever 12 to rise between the pawls and release the clutch catch. If the shuttle ejector is obstructed in any way, the shaft 33h is not rocked sufficiently to effect engagement of the pawl 37 with the lug 38a and consequently the lever 36 makes an ineffective stroke. In the event of the shuttle supply being exhausted, a detector 60 projects into the magazine and raises a member 60b and a wire 63 associated therewith, thereby holding the lever 58 against the pull of the lever 57 and preventing the restarting of the loom.